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William Blakely Jones

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia district Deceased · served 1962–1977 Appointed by John F. Kennedy (Democratic) 15 signed orders read

Judge Jones no longer hears cases. This profile is preserved as a historical record of how they ruled.

How Judge Jones decides

Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.

What persuades

He deferred to experienced inspectors acting within delegated regulatory discretion where the challenger’s evidence did not meet summary-judgment standards.

“This court is not in a position to gainsay the findings of experienced inspectors acting within the scope of the discretion vested in them by the regulations and the clear policy of the Federal Meat Inspection Act.”

He used a stay to preserve orderly appellate review without abandoning his view of the merits.

“the public interest will best be served by a fair and orderly disposition of the public controversy”

Cautions

He applied statutory waivers and exceptions according to their text, including the bar on claims arising from interference with contract rights.

“A specific exception to the tort liability of the United States under the Act provides that the United States shall not be liable for ‘any claim arising out of interference with contract rights.’”

He required private redevelopment work affecting a historic area to await the certification mandated by the governing development statute.

“defendants Benenson, Ar-now, and Benenson Capital Co. be and the same are hereby enjoined from demolishing, converting, removing, or otherwise altering the exterior facade of the Willard Hotel without prior certification”

Signed rulings

A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.

TAXAY, MD v. United States
· 1972-07-31
Motions to dismiss (defendant) Granted

“Ordered that defendant's motion to dismiss be and the same is hereby granted.”

Freeman v. Shultz
· 1970-08-27
Motions to dismiss (defendants and intervenor defendant) Granted

“the motions of defendants and intervenor-defendant to dismiss are granted.”

In re Perry
· 1967-06-14
Motions to dismiss (patient) Denied

“patient’s motion here to dismiss that petition is without merit. It will be denied.”

Nader v. Butz
· 1974-03-13
Motion for leave to file amicus brief (Senate Select Committee) Granted

“the motion of the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities for leave to file a brief amicus curiae be and the same is hereby granted;”

Motion to clarify or modify protective order (plaintiffs) Denied

“plaintiffs’ motion to clarify or modify the December 21, 1973, protective order entered in this action be and the same is hereby denied;”

Herian v. United States
· 1973-07-10
Motion for reconsideration (petitioners) Denied

“Ordered that the motion of the petitioners for reconsideration be and the same is hereby denied.”

Duncan v. United States
· 1973-03-12
Motions to dismiss (defendant) Denied

“That defendant’s motion to dismiss the complaint is denied as to plaintiff’s claim based on alleged negligence;”

Motions to dismiss (defendant) Granted

“That defendant’s motion to dismiss the claim denominated ‘intentional interference with the advantage plaintiff enjoyed from his business as a commercial airline pilot’ is granted.”

Ringer v. Mumford
· 1973-02-28
Summary judgment (plaintiff) Granted

“That the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment be and is hereby granted”

Summary judgment (defendants) Denied

“That the defendants’ motion for summary judgment be and is hereby denied.”

Don't Tear It Down, Inc. v. Washington
· 1975-08-26
Summary judgment (plaintiffs) Granted

“That plaintiffs’ motions for summary judgment be and the same are hereby granted;”

Summary judgment (private defendants) Denied

“That defendants Benenson, Ar-now, and Benenson Capital Co.’s motion for summary judgment be and the same is hereby denied;”

Knehans v. Callaway
· 1975-11-12
Motion to dismiss or for summary judgment (defendant) Granted

“Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss, or in the Alternative for Summary Judgment be and the same hereby is granted”

Summary judgment (plaintiff) Denied

“plaintiff’s Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment be and the same hereby is denied.”

West Central Missouri Rural Development Corp. v. Phillips
· 1973-12-19
Motion to consolidate (plaintiffs) Granted

“the motion to consolidate these cases for the purpose stated will be granted.”

Motion for attorneys fees (plaintiffs) Denied

“The consolidated motion for award of attorneys’ fees to plaintiffs will be denied.”

Tygrett v. Washington
· 1972-08-03
Summary judgment (defendants) Granted

“defendants’ motion for summary judgment is granted, and plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction is denied as moot.”

Preliminary injunction (plaintiff) Moot / procedural
Rea Express, Inc. v. Travelers Insurance
· 1976-02-02
Summary judgment (Travelers Insurance) Granted

“the motions of Travelers, the railroad defendants, the NRLC, and the ECCC for summary judgment be and the same hereby are granted;”

Summary judgment (railroad defendants) Granted
Summary judgment (National Railway Labor Conference) Granted
Summary judgment (Eastern Carriers’ Conference) Granted

A historical record

Judge Jones no longer hears cases. This profile stays available as a record of how they ruled. If you're preparing for a matter, start from the court's current bench.